Gasoline tanker crashes on Rt 3 in Bowie

The three-vehicle crash resulted in a small fuel spill and the closure of a portion of Route 3. (Photo: WJLA)

A stretch of Maryland Route 3 near Bowie was closed for several hours Monday night and into Tuesday morning after a tanker carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline was involved in a three-vehicle accident.

Prince George's County Fire officials say that just after 9:30 p.m. Monday, the tanker, a box truck and a car were involved in a crash. The gasoline tanker overturned and landed in the median of northbound U.S. Route 301 as a result.

All lanes of Route 3 at Annapolis Road reopened on Tuesday mid-morning.

First responders contained a relatively small leak from the tanker and a hazardous materials team was called as a precaution, but the tanker remained intact and a major spill was averted. In total, about 100 gallons of gas was spilled, contained and removed.

The driver of the tanker was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries. He is listed in good condition. The drivers of the box truck and car declined treatment.

In total, 84 firefighters, paramedics and other responders assisted in the recovery and cleanup. The crash is still under investigation.